Getting IN is our interview series with emerging PR professionals making their way in the industry. In this interview with PR Assistant Bailey Emmons (who also happens to be a recent PRISM course grad), you’ll learn how she went from Intern to Coordinator in just six months at lifestyle PR agency Moderne Press, and the tools that are essential to her job.

Name: Bailey Emmons
Education: BA in Communication, Santa Clara University
Agency Website: Moderne Press
Instagram: @whenlifegivesyouemmons, @modernepress
Twitter: @modernepress

Tell us a bit about your background

As a college student studying communication, I also enjoyed fashion and was looking for a way to combine the two fields. I had taken one public relations course, but it mainly focused on tech and sustainability (two major themes in the Silicon Valley), neither of which was an area I was interested in working in. When I discovered PR Couture, I realized it was possible to work in both the fashion and the PR worlds, and with the site’s agency directory, I found Moderne Press and realized I wouldn’t have to leave the Bay Area to find opportunities.

How did you land your current position?

I started following Moderne Press on Instagram. In October, Connie posted that they were looking for an intern and so I applied. After an initial phone interview with the PR Director and an in-person interview with Connie, I got a call offering me the internship. I was an intern with the agency for six months before being offered a full-time assistant position.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT MODERNE PRESS

Moderne Press is a boutique public relations and social media agency, specializing in working with fashion, lifestyle, home décor and kids brands. We work closely with small businesses to establish their brand voice and create recognition.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

I work on many of the social media campaigns for our clients. Whether it’s seeding products to influencers, organizing cross-brand and loop giveaways or posting content on a brand’s behalf, I’ve gotten to work with dozens of bloggers and brands on different kinds of projects.

WHAT SKILLS and SOFTWARE ETC ARE ESSENTIAL TO YOUR SUCCESS?

It’s important to stay on top of trends and timing – most editors are working months in advance, so keeping an eye on their current and upcoming projects will help when it comes to pitching at the right time. Following up is also essential – I can’t tell you how many times people have responded saying they missed my initial outreach!

In terms of software, we use a program called Flow to organize and delegate tasks among our team. I write lists and notes constantly, so it’s great to have everything in one place. They even have a smartphone app! For client social media management, we use an app called UNUM to plan Instagram posts and view analytics.

What is one way you’ve grown in your career?

I used to be nervous about asking questions because I thought it would make me look silly, but I quickly realized that feeling silly about asking a question is way better than making an easily avoidable mistake.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE SEEKING A SIMILAR POSITION?

Look everywhere! LinkedIn and Indeed.com are great, but my internship was actually posted on Craigslist! Also, searching hashtags like #fashionpr and #printernship can help you find listings in unexpected places, like Instagram or Twitter.

I used to be nervous about asking questions because I thought it would make me look silly, but I quickly realized that feeling silly about asking a question is way better than making an easily avoidable mistake.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! I had limited PR knowledge and experience, and didn’t feel totally qualified for a position in the field, but I applied anyway knowing it was something I really wanted to try.

Thanks Bailey!

PS: Prism registration ends Sunday!